May 30, 2020
Read Chief Judge Bonner’s newest message
Twelfth Circuit Chief Judge Kimberly C. Bonner issued two new administrative orders as part of the Court’s continued response to COVID-19 and our phased revamp to full operations. We’re in Phase 1 now, which means all hearings except emergency hearings are conducted by video and phone conferencing.
In order to move to Phase 2, a time when limited in-person contact will be allowed in court proceedings, protective measures will still be required. According to the Supreme Court’s order AOSC20-23, Amendment 2, we will be able to move to Phase 2 when:
- There have been no COVID-19 cases in the courthouse within 14 days or there has been a deep cleaning if such cases have occurred;
- Local and state orders permit the activity;
- The community shows at least 14 days of improvements in COVID-19 case reporting;
- Adequate testing programs are in place; and
- We have consulted with other building occupants and justice system partners (State Attorney, Public Defender, law enforcement, and other agencies such as Department of Children and Families).
Beginning June 8, local AO2020-12.02 requires that anyone who enters a court building – including judges – must wear a facemask in all public areas. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own facemask to wear in court. If you arrive without a facemask, we’ll give you a disposable one before you enter the building.
We’ll continue the practice of keeping six-feet of distance between everyone – in lines, in courtrooms and in elevators. Only three people will be allowed in an elevator at any time.
We’ll also continue to clean and sanitize all public areas giving special attention to elevator buttons, door handles and hand rails.
Beginning June 15, anyone who enters a court building will have their temperature checked and asked a series of questions related to COVID-19 exposure. If you have a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher or you answer “yes” to any question you will not be allowed into the building and your case will be rescheduled. The court will not issue a bench warrant for failing to appear for your hearing if you were turned away due to the screening process.
Judge Bonner also issued AO2020-13.01, which suspends civil jury trials through September 18, 2020.
May 22, 2020
NEW ORDERS SETTING HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES IN COURTS
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady issued an order on May 21, 2020, establishing health and safety precautions based on a report issued by a statewide advisory COVID-19 Workgroup, of which Twelfth Circuit Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner is a member.
Chief Justice Canady also amended an earlier order (AOSC20-23, Amendment 2) that provides comprehensive emergency procedures for use in courts in the pandemic. The amendments incorporate the new Phase 2 safety procedures contained in the COVID-19 Workgroup report.
We are currently in Phase 1, the time when all hearings except emergency hearings are being conducted by video and phone conferencing.
Phase 2 is the time when limited in-person contact will be authorized in courts and court proceedings, but protective measures still will be required.
Transition to Phase 2 in the Twelfth Circuit will occur when it meets five benchmark criteria:
- There has been no COVID-19 cases in the courthouse within 14 days or the use of deep cleaning if such cases have occurred
- Local and state restrictive orders permit the activity;
- The community shows at least 14 days of improvements in case reporting;
- adequate testing programs are in place; and
- We have consulted with other building occupants and justice system partners.
Chief Justice Canady also issued an order creating a new pilot program to explore ways to let jury trials begin again using remote technology. Under the pilot program, the COVID-19 Workgroup will develop requirements and will select up to five Florida trial circuits to participate. At this point, trials will only be civil, non-criminal cases and all parties must consent to participate in the pilot.
To learn more about the four-phase expansion of court operations, or follow the activities of the statewide COVID-19 Workgroup, visit flcourts.org. There you'll find links to meeting agendas and minutes, and guides to help you conduct business with the court using remote methods:
- Representing yourself and using video with the court;
- Managing evidence in video hearings in civil and family cases; and
- Arranging video hearings with people who don't have a lawyer.
FORECLOSURES, EVICTIONS ON HOLD THROUGH JUNE 2
Based on Governor DeSantis extending Executive Order 20-94 and suspending foreclosures and evictions through June 2, the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Administrative Order 2020-11.1 suspending evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic is also extended through June 2. It is not necessary for the Chief Judge to enter a new local administrative order extending the date through June 2 because AO 2020-11.1 included language that stated, “If Governor Ron DeSantis amends, changes or alters the timeframes set forth in Executive Order 20-94, the timeframes set forth in this Administrative Order will extend without the necessity of further order from this court.”
THE COURTS ARE OPEN
While only certain hearings are being held in the judicial centers, the courts are holding most other hearings remotely using video conferencing and/or teleconferencing software. Please check the specific division or the Zoom page for more information, or contact the judge's office to check on your hearing status. Find a list of judges, magistrates and hearing officers on our Judges/Magistrates webpage.
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has suspended all non-essential or non-critical programs and services through May 29, 2020. For additional details please review previous Florida Supreme Court and local administrative orders with AOSC20-23, Amendment 1, AOSC20-23, AOSC20-15, AOSC20-13, and AO 2020-04.2.
Jury proceedings and jury trials are suspended through July 2. If you have received a jury summons please contact the Clerk of Court office in your county.
May 19, 2020
COURT OPERATIONS UPDATE FROM CHIEF JUDGE KIMBERLY C. BONNER
Chief Judge Kimberly C. Bonner and the 17-member Continuity of Court Operations Workgroup have been tasked with making recommendations to Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady about the phased reopening of the courthouse doors to the public.
The group has met a number of times over the past four weeks to discuss the way the courts are conducting hearings. They’re looking at where we can assemble jurors when trials resume, how best to accommodate people that don't have access to remote technology or don't have lawyers, and many more issues related to the public's continued access to justice while keeping everyone safe and decreasing the risk of a resurgence of COVID-19 in the community.
"We continue to plan and draft protocols for the beginning of more in-person hearings, which will include personal protection equipment protocols, sanitation schedules, limitations on capacity and screening of individuals who enter the court facilities," Judge Bonner said.
"Jury management is also a critical component of these plans. All requirements and procedures will be entered via administrative orders and prominently displayed in the [court] buildings. In addition, until we are in phase 4 where all hearings are permitted to be held in-person, we will continue to do many, if not most, matters remotely where they can be done effectively," Judge Bonner said.
"Attorneys and parties should check the website frequently for updates and familiarize themselves with judges’ individual requirements.”
Judge Bonner said she thanks everyone for their patience during this process. “As you can imagine, we received many concerns and suggestions about all of these matters. Ensuring the public safety while maintaining access to the court are our highest priorities," Judge Bonner said.
You can find more information on the Continuity of Court Operations Workgroup online at flcourts.org, where you’ll find links to meeting agendas and minutes, and guides to help you conduct business with the court using remote methods:
- Representing yourself and using video with the court;
- Managing evidence in video hearings in civil and family cases; and
- Arranging video hearings with people who don't have a lawyer.
SARASOTA CIRCUIT CIVIL TOWN HALL
The next Town Hall meeting with Sarasota Circuit Civil judges will be held at Noon on May 21st. Sarasota's Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller Karen Rushing is also scheduled to speak. This town hall will focus on civil jury trials in Sarasota, changes to the 2020 and 2021 trial schedules, and thoughts on post-COVID-19 operations in the Sarasota Circuit Civil division. Judges will take questions, prior to and during the town hall. Submit your questions before the event to the Sarasota County Bar Association.
Advanced registration is required.
FORECLOSURES, EVICTIONS ON HOLD THROUGH JUNE 2
Based on Governor DeSantis extending Executive Order 20-94 and suspending foreclosures and evictions through June 2, the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Administrative Order 2020-11.1 suspending evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic is also extended through June 2. It is not necessary for the Chief Judge to enter a new local administrative order extending the date through June 2 because AO 2020-11.1 included language that stated, “If Governor Ron DeSantis amends, changes or alters the timeframes set forth in Executive Order 20-94, the timeframes set forth in this Administrative Order will extend without the necessity of further order from this court.”
THE COURTS ARE OPEN
While only certain hearings are being held in the judicial centers, the courts are holding most other hearings remotely using video conferencing and/or teleconferencing software. Please check the specific division or the Zoom page for more information, or contact the judge's office to check on your hearing status. Find a list of judges, magistrates and hearing officers on our Judges/Magistrates webpage.
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has suspended all non-essential or non-critical programs and services through May 29, 2020. For additional details please review previous Florida Supreme Court and local administrative orders with AOSC20-23, Amendment 1, AOSC20-23, AOSC20-15, AOSC20-13, and AO 2020-04.2.
Jury proceedings and jury trials are suspended through July 2. If you have received a jury summons please contact the Clerk of Court office in your county.
May 15, 2020
FORECLOSURES, EVICTIONS ON HOLD THROUGH JUNE 2
Based on Governor DeSantis extending Executive Order 20-94 and suspending foreclosures and evictions through June 2, the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Administrative Order 2020-11.1 suspending evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic is also extended through June 2. It is not necessary for the Chief Judge to enter a new local administrative order extending the date through June 2 because AO 2020-11.1 included language that stated, “If Governor Ron DeSantis amends, changes or alters the timeframes set forth in Executive Order 20-94, the timeframes set forth in this Administrative Order will extend without the necessity of further order from this court.”
THE COURTS ARE OPEN
While only certain hearings are being held in the judicial centers, the courts are holding most other hearings remotely using video conferencing and/or teleconferencing software. Please check the specific division or the Zoom page for more information, or contact the judge's office to check on your hearing status. Find a list of judges, magistrates and hearing officers on our Judges/Magistrates webpage.
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has suspended all non-essential or non-critical programs and services through May 29, 2020. For additional details please review previous Florida Supreme Court and local administrative orders with AOSC20-23, Amendment 1, AOSC20-23, AOSC20-15, AOSC20-13, and AO 2020-04.2.
Jury proceedings and jury trials are suspended through July 2. If you have received a jury summons please contact the Clerk of Court office in your county.
May 12, 2020
JURY PROCEEDINGS AND JURY TRIALS SUSPENDED THROUGH JULY 2
Based on the recommendations of the 17-member Court Continuity Workgroup, Chief Justice Canady has amended his April 6, 2020, administrative order AOSC20-23, with AOSC20-23, Amendment 1, and extended the suspension of grand jury proceedings, jury selection, and criminal and civil jury trials through July 2, 2020.
The amendment still requires courts to limit the types of in-person hearings to only essential proceedings and use telephone or videoconferencing for all other hearings, where practicable, through May 29, 2020, unless the court extends the order.
THE COURTS ARE OPEN
On April 6, 2020, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady entered Administrative Order AOSC20-23 suspending all jury trials through May 29, 2020. Based on the new order, the Twelfth Judicial Circuit will suspend all non-essential or non-critical programs and services through May 29, 2020. It is not necessary for the Chief Judge to enter a new local administrative order extending the dates through May 29 because AO 2020-04.2 included language that stated, “If the timeframes set forth in AOSC20-13 and AOSC20-15 are extended by the Supreme Court of Florida, the timeframes in this order will extend without the necessity of further order from this court.”
While only certain hearings are being held in the judicial centers, the courts are holding most other hearings remotely using video conferencing and/or teleconferencing software. Please check the specific division or the Zoom page for more information, or contact the judge's office to check on your hearing status. Find a list of judges, magistrates and hearing officers on our Judges/Magistrates webpage.
Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner issued Administrative Order 2020-11.1 on April 14, 2020, suspending eviction and foreclosure court processes through May 17, 2020, or until further ordered by the court.
May 5, 2020
JURY PROCEEDINGS AND JURY TRIALS SUSPENDED THROUGH JULY 2
Based on the recommendations of the 17-member Court Continuity Workgroup, Chief Justice Canady has amended his April 6, 2020, administrative order AOSC20-23, with AOSC20-23, Amendment 1, and extended the suspension of grand jury proceedings, jury selection, and criminal and civil jury trials through July 2, 2020.
The amendment still requires courts to limit the types of in-person hearings to only essential proceedings and use telephone or videoconferencing for all other hearings, where practicable, through May 29, 2020, unless the court extends the order.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
With Chief Judge Bonner’s appointment to the Court Continuity Workgroup, created by Chief Justice Canady’s Administrative Order AOSC20-28, she is directed to develop findings and recommendations on the continuation of court operations in a way that protects health and safety and addresses each of the following phases:
- Phase 1: In-person contact is inadvisable and thus in-person proceedings in the courthouse are rare
- Phase 2: Limited in-person hearings are authorized for certain purposes and/or requires use of protective measures
- Phase 3: In-person proceedings are more broadly authorized and protective measures are relaxed
- Phase 4: COVID-19 no longer presents a significant health or safety risk
We know that ramping up to full operations after the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic subsides is going to take a village, and the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court wants your input. We invite attorneys and the public to email suggestions, comments, and concerns about resuming court processes.
Please review the administrative order and limit your comments to those issues for which feedback is sought. With the probability of a gradual resumption of standard court operations, it’s important that your input pertains to how to effectively accomplish this, as opposed to a general wish list.
Specific complaints or concerns about a particular division policy or judge’s requirements should be addressed directly with the presiding judge or administrative judge.
THE COURTS ARE OPEN
On April 6, 2020, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady entered Administrative Order AOSC20-23 suspending all jury trials through May 29, 2020. Based on the new order, the Twelfth Judicial Circuit will suspend all non-essential or non-critical programs and services through May 29, 2020. It is not necessary for the Chief Judge to enter a new local administrative order extending the dates through May 29 because AO 2020-04.2 included language that stated, “If the timeframes set forth in AOSC20-13 and AOSC20-15 are extended by the Supreme Court of Florida, the timeframes in this order will extend without the necessity of further order from this court.”
While only certain hearings are being held in the judicial centers, the courts are holding most other hearings remotely using video conferencing and/or teleconferencing software. Please check the specific division or the Zoom page for more information, or contact the judge's office to check on your hearing status. Find a list of judges, magistrates and hearing officers on our Judges/Magistrates webpage.
Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner issued Administrative Order 2020-11.1 on April 14, 2020, suspending eviction and foreclosure court processes through May 17, 2020, or until further ordered by the court.